Longtime Beal City football coach Lou Rau resigned his position with the district following a preliminary investigation of a complaint that was leveled last week.

Beal City Superintendent William Chilman said Monday that Rau was the subject of a complaint Jan. 5 that was supported by evidence, and that the district conducted the internal, preliminary investigation following the complaint being brought to Chilman’s office.

Rather than answer questions about the complaint, Rau tendered his resignation.

“Once that internal preliminary investigation was complete, Coach Rau was offered an opportunity to respond,” Chilman said in an email to the Morning Sun Monday. “The school district contacted PCMI, the district’s third party contractor of substitute teachers and non-staff coaches, and advised them that Coach Rau must not be assigned to work at Beal City Public Schools in any capacity.”

Although Chilman did not reveal the nature of the complaint against Rau, he said the district and PCMI “have referred the matter to the local law enforcement to complete the investigation.”

Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski confirmed there is an ongoing investigation on Rau but said he could not release specific information.

Having started his career as head coach of the Aggie varsity football team in 2000, Rau has led one of the most storied high school football programs in Michigan.

A late 1980s graduate of Beal City High School, Rau led the Aggies to a record of 155-34 during his 15-year career as head coach.

He coached the Aggies to a Division 8 state championship in 2009 and led the team to four appearances in the D8 final.

Beal City also made eight appearances in the semifinal round under Rau.